Thoughts after this trip home from Iraq

I'm an American soldier. I believe in and will die willingly for what is now, no more than piece of paper. I will obey and follow the orders of those appointed over me; that are following instructions from what I believe are some dishonorable senior military and many civilians/politicians that never fought for anything but their own personal gain. I will always strive to make the intent of my commanders my primary goal; while putting my life and family second… this is an oath I swore to and do not take lightly. My life is that of service and my purpose is crystal clear, to obey, protect and give my life selflessly to any lawful order. I'm faithful, a Soldier to the true spirit of an America that has been all but lost; surviving by a thread in our doctrine, and truly only honored when we are privileged to give our life for it. I'm the spirited Soldier longing for the honor to be among the heroes that have passed before me. This love of mine, the" country" of the United States of America has become a franchised LLC formed from an ideal society by the rich, into the "corporate" Divided States of shattered dreams and broken promises by those whom we trusted to ensure that "piece of papers", ideals, and intent were upheld. Honor has not been upheld, and we are further away from it today than we've ever been. It has become a joke mocked by our leaders and used against “we the people" …those who it was meant protect. I have evolved into corporate Americas "hit man". I serve those who you vote for, and for whom you failed to impeach. Please consider this when you go to the airports to welcome us home. We were there because of you. Many of us have and are…returning to broken homes, welcomed by strangers, not the open arms of our husbands, wives and children… because they grew impatient waiting on us. Others of us are but children returning home with physical and mental scars that sometimes, your clapping infuriates. We are Soldiers. We require no applause and we function best behind the scenes simply following orders. We are part of a machine and need to remain detached to keep our heads together we are Private, Sergeant, Petty Officer and Gunny… not Bobby, John and Susan. Please if you are excited and happy to see us come home, celebrate when and only if we agree. All we want is respect. All good Soldiers, Sailors and Marines do our jobs out of love of country and dedication; just as most of you feel about your families and jobs. No thank you’s are required. We appreciate the honor to serve you. I was personally greeted by one woman who simply looked at me with her hand over her mouth, as if to say “words must pail what you've gone through". Her silent empathy straightened my fractured back and I gave her a smile while thinking, “Thank you Ma'am.” If you truly want to thank a service man and woman, honor the liberties that we give our lives, to ensure you have. Because our fighting spirit to win and our resilience to heal does not come from Corp of America. It is the Spirit of America alive in all who serve the lost ideals of a piece of paper called the “United Stated Constitution”.